An investigation into the application of phenomenological approach to teaching of Christian religious education in selected secondary schools in Wakiso District: a study of selected secondary schools in Gombe Sub-County Wakiso District

Abstract

The study was carried out with the purpose of investigating how phenomenological approach is being used in teaching of Christian religious education in selected secondary schools in Wakiso district. The objectives of the study were to examine how phenomenological approach is applied in teaching of Christian religious education in selected secondary schools, to examine the perception of teachers towards the use of phenomenological approach, to assess the challenges that teachers face that limit the use of phenomenological approach and strategies that teachers can adopt to teach CRE as an educational subject. Through use of qualitative approach, the study employed, Interview, focus group discussion and observation methods to collect data from the teachers. Data was analyzed using the thematic approach. Research findings from the field indicated the teacher‟s lack enough knowledge about the use phenomenological approach to teach CRE and teachers perceived CRE as educational subject that imparts skills among the learners, instilling of morals, exposing learners to political, cultural, economic, healthy issues. The major challenges teachers face that limit the use of phenomenological approach were; inadequate materials, lack of knowledge and skills to teach CRE as an educational subject, lack of refresher courses, content is more Biblical, bias to other religions, schools are formed on religious basis, the syllabus and the curriculum. The study thus recommended that teachers need refresher courses to acquire new skills on how to teach CRE as an educational subject, the government to supply materials to schools to enable teachers access reference books to enable effective teaching of CRE as an educational subject.